Eddie Harty belonged to one of Ireland’s most respected and distinguished racing dynasties based in the Curragh in Co Kildare
Mr Harty belonged to one of Ireland’s most respected and distinguished racing dynasties based in the Curragh in Co Kildare.
The talented horseman’s legacy is iconic, as he remains the only Olympian ever to win the Grand National.
During the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Mr Harty competed for Ireland in three-day eventing.
However, his greatest achievement came in 1969, when he won the Grand National on Highland Wedding, writing himself into the racing history books.
Even after he retired as a jockey, Mr Harty’s success continued as a trainer.
Following his retirement from training in 1995, the Harty name lived on in the sport through his son Eddie Jr., and later jointly with his grandson Patrick.
The late Eddie Harty. Photo: RIP.ie
Mr Harty passed away at the age of 88 on Wednesday, February 11, just a week after losing his wife Patricia (Pat) Harty who died on Wednesday, February 4.
In a statement on social media, Harty Racing said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Eddie Snr.
“He had an enormous personality who accomplished so much in life not least shaping some great people.
“May his rest in peace.”
Tributes have poured in for the couple who devoted their lives to horse racing and each other.
“Everybody at the Curragh was saddened to learn of the passing of Eddie and Patricia,” wrote Brian Kavanagh of Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds on RIP.ie.
“The Harty name is synonymous with racing at the Curragh and Eddie enjoyed many great successes here, a tradition that is admirably being continued to this day by his son, Edward and grandson, Patrick.
“Eddie also served for many years on the Curragh Trainers Association, always available with helpful advice and feedback on the gallops and facilities.
“Perhaps less well known was Eddie’s work behind the scenes with the Newbridge Lions Club and our Newbridge Parishes charity race meeting. To this he brought great energy and enthusiasm and a real understanding of community.
“It was a pleasure to have any dealings with Eddie and we are thinking of all of the Harty family at this sad time of loss.”
Another mourner pointed out how sad, but also “fitting” it was that Eddie and Pat were not separated by death for long.
“I’m so sad to learn of Eddie’s death so soon after Pat left this world,” wrote another mourner. “But is is probably fitting that they were not parted for very long.
“Eddie was a total gentleman and may he rest in eternal peace.”
The late Patricia Harty. Photo: RIP.ie
Mr Harty’s remains will repose in Anderson & Leahy’s Funeral Home on Henry Street in Newbridge on Friday, February 13 from 4pm until 7pm with prayer at 6.30pm.
Removal will take place on Saturday morning, February 14 at 10.30am too arrive at St. Conleth’s Parish Church for 11am mass. Funeral afterwards to St. Conleth’s Cemetery.
“Sadly missed by his children Edward, Eoin and Freda; daughters-in-law Marie and Kathy; son-in-law Paul; grandchildren Nick, Gerard, Patrick, Carolyn and Eddie; great-granddaughter Anabelle; sister Ann; devoted family friend Teresa and extended family, relatives and friends,” read Mr Harty’s death notice on RIP.ie